Girl · 49th of 9,107
Elsie
Meaning, origin and U.S. popularity at a glance
188,705
Total Births
145
Years of Data
1918
Peak Popularity Year
5,221
Peak Births
Generational story
Where Elsie stands across generations
Rankings for U.S. births from 2013 to 2024.
Based on the most recent three-year movement in the national data.
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Meaning, origin & U.S. popularity
Summary
Elsie is a Scottish diminutive of Elizabeth, which has Hebrew roots meaning 'God is my oath'. It has evolved through various forms and has gained popularity since the late 19th century, associated with vintage charm. There is no significant biblical relevance, and it is well-received in contemporary society.
Etymology & cultural background Open the full meaning, origin, history, and variants
Etymology & Cultural Background
Pronunciation
/ˈɛl.si/
Origin
Scottish
Etymology
Elsie is derived from the Scottish diminutive of 'Elizabeth', which comes from the Hebrew name Elisheba meaning 'God is my oath'.
Meaning
God is my oath
Language Evolution
Elizabeth, Elsa, Elsie
Historical Usage
Elsie gained popularity in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, particularly in English-speaking countries, influenced by literature and popular culture.
Variants & Derivatives
Elsa, Eliza, Lizzie
Modern Popularity & Image
Today, Elsie is often perceived as a charming and vintage name, enjoying a resurgence in popularity due to its nostalgic appeal.
Famous People
Elsie de Wolfe, Elsie Fisher, Elsie Maynard
Trend Analysis
Girl Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Rising
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Boy Name Trend
Recent 3-Year Analysis
3-Year Trend:
Stable
25-Year Trend:
Relatively Stable
Explore popularity by location
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Key Insights
Popularity Trend
Highly Popular name with 5,221 peak births in 1918
Geographic Spread
Popular across 51 US states, with strongest presence in North Dakota
Historical Span
Data spanning 145 years from 1880 to 2024, showing long-term trends
Generational Impact
Influenced 10 different American generations with varying popularity
Alternative spellings & similar sounds
Compare 9 names that share a similar pronunciation but use different spellings.
Historical Birth Statistics
Note: Years with identical rankings may represent different numbers of births. Data is sourced from Social Security card applications for births in the United States.
Yearly Ranking History
Full popularity table across American generations 10 generation and gender records
Popularity Across American Generations
| Generation | Gender | Rank | Recorded births |
|---|---|---|---|
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Boy | 1332nd of 7545 | 474 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Boy | 1954th of 6773 | 257 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Boy | 5151st of 7552 | 30 |
| G.I. Generation (1901-1927) | Girl | 49th of 9107 | 91,079 |
| Silent Generation (1928-1945) | Girl | 128th of 9204 | 36,642 |
| Baby Boomers (1946-1964) | Girl | 389th of 12526 | 10,534 |
| Generation X (Gen X) (1965-1980) | Girl | 883rd of 19264 | 2,428 |
| Millennials (Gen Y) (1981-1996) | Girl | 1232nd of 27321 | 2,072 |
| Generation Z (Gen Z or Zoomers) (1997-2012) | Girl | 833rd of 35406 | 4,901 |
| Generation Alpha (2013-2024) | Girl | 254th of 30306 | 15,095 |